Sesame Street Elmo Toys Will Still Be Under My Tree

I won’t lie. The sudden news about Kevin Clash’s alleged sexual misconduct sucks. I’m not thrilled that the man who voiced the Elmo on Sesame Street has been accused of having relationships with two men while they were still underage. I don’t care that it’s homosexuality in action. The world could use a little more love, regardless of gender. I’m not too pleased that one of the men claims to have been the same age as my son, and that’s the long and short of it.

Some people are wondering what impact Clash’s resignation will have on Sesame Street. He’s been the voice of Elmo for over 25 years. Sesame Street says that Elmo is bigger than one man and will continue on. Some people, of course, are going to decide to boycott Sesame Street. I won’t be one of them.

Norton is two and a half. He has no concept of sex, sexual misconduct, gay or straight, or anything else. All that he knows is love. He loves his Pillow. He loves his puppies. He loves Eudora and the rest of us. And he really, really loves Elmo. I hear “Elmo pee!” (“Elmo please”) about a dozen times a day. Sometimes he even requests Elmo when we’re watching Sesame Street so that I will skip ahead to Elmo’s World.

We’re not going to get rid of Norton’s beloved Sesame Street Let’s Rock Elmo, nor am I going to get rid of his Sesame Street bedding or replace his Sesame Street toddler bed. He loves those things. As long as he enjoys Elmo, Elmo will stay in his room. As long as he continues to learn from Sesame Street, we will continue to watch it.

Has the news about Kevin Clash had any impact on the role of Elmo and Sesame Street in your home? Will it change your holiday shopping plans?

Comments

It doesn’t affect our love for Elmo. Things happen. we can’t blame Elmo for this one…Remember they are also ALLEGATIONS. Innocent until proven guilty. A Lot of People forget that! I worry that they will phase out Elmo and phase in a new muppet. But then again. Elmo makes them probably a billion a year. He won’t be going anywhere if so!

aawww I am sorry I wish I hadn’t read your post! Now i’m sad to learn about this news… I mean it doesn’t change anything to how cool and fun Elmo is but now it seems like I don’t view Elmo the same way! 🙁